Blu-ray Review: Hit 3D Remaster of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Comes Home

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CHICAGO – What more could possibly be said about “The Wizard of Oz,” arguably the most beloved film of all time? (It’s probably this or “It’s a Wonderful Life.”) In one of 2013’s most surprising critical hits, “Oz” actually became relevant again in terms of technology, and I’m not talking about Sam Raimi’s mostly-awful “Oz: The Great and Powerful.” There seems to now be an answer to the question, “Has there ever been a good 3D remastering of a classic film?” Decide for yourself on 3D Blu-ray.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

It makes perfect sense that “Oz” would get a 3D treatment given the wonder inherent in the film’s journey from Kansas to Oz. Why just go color when you can go 3D? Warner Bros. includes over 2 hours of extras on their newest “Oz” Blu-ray release, the most interesting of which will be “The Making of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” a new doc about the history and impact of the beloved film. There’s not much left to be said or written about the classic film but those who adore it may just appreciate seeing its history in a newly-organized form.

Most people who adore “Wizard of Oz” probably already own it on Blu-ray. They should, at least, given that the last Blu-ray/DVD combo version was a beauty, released in a Limited Edition gift set that all fans of the movie should own. So this one really only has two new elements of importance — the one for people who have bought into the 3D TV revolution and those who want to hear the history of how Dorothy was whisked into movie history one more time. If you fall into one of those groups, click your heels together. Or just go to your favorite Blu-ray store. Your call.

The Wizard of Oz 3D was released on Blu-ray and DVD on October 1, 2013
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Synopsis:
In this charming film based on the popular L. Frank Baum novel, Dorothy and her dog Toto are caught in a tornado’s path and somehow end up in the land of Oz. Here she encounters some memorable friends and foes in her journey to meet the Wizard of Oz who everyone says can help her return home and possibly grant her new friends their goals of a brain, heart and courage.

Special Features:
o All-New Feature-Length Documentary - The Making Of The Wonder Wizard Of Oz
o Commentary By Historian John Fricke With The Film’s Cast And Crew
o Sing Along Feature

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com